AR HB1524

Requires Class I railroad trains (freight, passenger, or commuter) to operate with a minimum of 2 crew members, with exceptions for helper service, tourist/scenic trains, hostler service, mine load operations, and remote control operations.

Allows the Director of State Highways and Transportation to exempt railroad carriers with 15 or fewer employees if they operate at 15 m.p.h. or less on track segments with grades less than 1% over 3 miles or 2% over 2 miles, subject to annual review.

Mandates 2 crew members when transporting hazardous materials including loaded freight cars with poisonous inhalation materials, 10+ loaded freight cars, bulk packaging, flammable gases, flammable liquids, explosives, or listed hazardous substances.

Establishes administrative penalties of $5,000 to $10,000 per violation, or $500,000 for grossly negligent or repeated violations causing death, injury, or imminent hazard; penalties are deposited into the State Highway and Transportation Department Fund.

Declares an emergency effective immediately upon gubernatorial approval, citing Federal Railroad Administration safety determinations regarding trains exceeding 2 miles in length.